Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Raheem Sterling as "a special guy" after he produced another late goal to help his side to victory over Southampton last night.

The Premier League leaders looked set to be taking home a point from their encounter with the Saints at the Etihad, only for Sterling to pop up in the final minute of time added on with a curled effort for his ninth goal of the season.

The goal marked the second time in as many games that Sterling has won the game for City late on, the striker having found a winner against Huddersfield Town just three days earlier, while it also marked the fourth time this campaign that the England international has scored in the 84th minute or later.

"It is true, it was the same in the last game and the same again today," Guardiola told Sky Sports News after the final whistle. "I am so happy for him, important because he is a special guy and he did it, what an amazing goal. The goal is more than important, it is beautiful.

"We have to be fair, the first half they had chances in the set pieces always, the first goal came from a throw-in. But we controlled the counter-attack, we created enough chances to win the game. And by far we deserved to win the game.

"We celebrated with all the staff and players because we have to celebrate these kind of emotions and we are here for that. Of course, we will not lift the title as all the contenders won, but it is not enough."

Next up for City, who remain eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, is a home encounter with West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.